My little Emma Faith

Today is Emma's 7th birthday! The picture is when she was 5 months old.

She has always been such a delightful child. Other than a little reflux as a baby, her infancy was easy. From early on (and I mean weeks old) people have commented on her beautiful blue eyes. These comments continue even to today. What stands out the most to me is her sweet spirit. You just can't spend time with her and not feel her lovingkindness. When I was pregnant with Emma I got up everyday at 6:20 to go walking and durning that time I would pray. Don't ask me why I did this for Emma and not the other two, but I always prayed that God would give her a "sweet spirit and gentle disposition." She exhibits this in so many facets of her little being. Emma is thoughtful and considerate to other people, helpful at home and in her classroom, attentive to authority, kind to all children (even to Alex and his rough-and-tough buddies!) and just has an overall happy attitude. I say that even at her worst she is still totally tolerable.

I love you Emma and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Thankfullness

I am thankful for my husband who loves me and shows me this by encouraging me and supporting me and accepting me as flawed of a human as I am.
I am thankful for my 3 beautiful children. They each have a very distinct personality and spirit. All three are healthy, happy and make me proud to be their mom.
I am thankful for my mom. Even though we don't see each other often she is close to my heart and in my thoughts.
I am thankful for my sister. She and I had a moment today at our step-mother's house where we hugged and thought about our beloved and very much missed dad. For as long as we can remember Thanksgiving was the holiday to spend with him.
I am thankful for good friends.
I am most thankful for my Father God's love, forgiveness and salvation. My life would not be all that it is without Him.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Soccer girls

This past weekend was the end of the fall soccer season for both girls. Man, did they love playing! This was Emma's 3rd season and Rebekah's first. Emma is now going to play on a winter indoor soccer team, and Rebekah will re-join her team in January. We are very proud of our soccer superstars! (I wish you could see the look of determination on Emma's face. She was focused!)

Carter Rae Tarwater

Today I want to tell you about a good friend of mine. Her name is Carter and I have known her for about 4 years now. We met at Jazzercise. She was one of those girls I was intimidated by... you know the type, pretty face, great body, and knew how to do every routine. I was so pleased when I finally met her and discovered how nice she is.

What strikes me the most about Carter is her genuine sincerity. She consoled me when my father died, brought food to my family while I recuperated from the abdominalpasty, was willing to help out during this recent surgery, babysat our little dog Johnny while we went out of town for over a week, babysat Alex last March so that I could take the girls to the Hannah Montana concert (Jeff was out of town), has bought countless Girl Scout cookies and fundraiser items from Rebekah, just to name the ones off the top of my head.

Alex simply ADORES her. Says she is his girlfriend. This picture is from last Friday's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. She had asked me where and when his party would be but I didn't mention it to him. Carter does not have children so keep that in mind when I tell you that not only did she come but she stayed and played with him and gave him special attention. He was so happy! Sunday the two of them took one of her dogs for a walk; and he talked about that for the rest of the day.

Thanks Carter!

Happy birthday baby!

On this day five years ago my I met my precious son Alex. He arrived on a Friday afternoon weighing 8 lbs. and 6 oz. The first thing I noticed about him was the little "dimple" in his chin like Jeff has. As the doctor told me I had a boy I was crying and saying "my baby boy" over and over.

At eighteen weeks when the doctor looked at the ultrasound and told us we were having a healthy baby boy I was shocked. After having two darling girls I was ready to just continue along that venue. It took me a good month of processing it to "come around" to a BOY. Am I ever glad that God saw it right to bless us with Alex!

He is happy almost all of the time, he loves to entertain us with silly things he makes up or games he plays, he makes GOOD use of his imagination, is well-behaved (when neccessary, i.e. Mommy's doctor appointments...), freely gives hugs and kisses, asks insightful questions (most recently about what the "new heaven and new earth" God provides us will be like), and is a wonderful part of our family.

He blesses me everyday with his love; and I can't adequately express in written word the depth of my love for him. With that said, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!!!!

A child's prayer

This was Alex's goodnight prayer. "Dear God, I love my mom and my dad and my whole family. I'm glad they make the rules even though they can be mean, and good, and nice and freaky." It went on from there and then I added to his prayer. I'll let God sort that one out... funny little guy!